Installation Instructions

The following are instructions for installing Bodhi Linux on to your computer from a working Linux system via a USB stick (also known as a thumb-drive). This is the recommended method. Installation using another operating system or via CD/DVD is also possible, but not covered here.

Bodhi Linux utilizes a Live Environment which you lets you “try before you buy” – that is, you can use Bodhi Linux without actually installing it. Note that any changes made in the Live Environment will not be saved across a reboot. Follow the instructions through the first 2 sections to enter the Live Environment

I: Preparation

A: Materials needed

Before beginning, you will need the following things:

– A computer (imagine that! ) It will need to have a hard drive partition that is blank or you are willing to overwrite, or you may choose to use the entire hard drive.

– A USB stick that contains no important data – it will all be erased during this process!

B: Get Bodhi Linux

Note: visit the Selecting the Correct ISO wiki page for more information on which version of Bodhi is best for you.

C: Verify File Integrity (optional)

2) Save the file to the same location that you saved the Bodhi Linux .iso file.

3) Open a terminal emulator (Terminology for example)

4) Switch to the directory where you downloaded the files (/home/user/Downloads in this example – adjust the location to where you downloaded to):

cd /home/user/Downloads

5) View the md5 sum to verify against:

cat bodhi-4.1.0-64.iso.md5

6) Generate the md5sum for the downloaded .iso file:

md5sum bodhi-4.1.0-64.iso

7) The generated number from step 6 must exactly match the number to verify against from step 5. If the numbers do not match exactly the .iso file became corrupted in the download process and you will have to download again. If they do match, please continue …

II: Boot into the Live Environment

A: Prepare Your Computer

Most systems are not set up to boot from a USB stick automatically. Since the method for doing so varies from machine to machine, you may have to experiment and/or consult the documentation for your system’s BIOS. Here are some pointers:

Many systems will allow you to enter a “one time boot menu” by pressing F2 or F12 during initial system start-up. This will give you several options (CD/DVD, USB, Network, Hard Drive, etc) from which to boot.

Look for a message during initial system start-up that tells you which button to press to enter the BIOS. Often this is the Delete key. From within the BIOS you are able to alter the Boot Sequence and choose USB as the first device.

In some cases the BIOS requires that the USB stick is inserted into a USB port before it will recognize it in the boot order.

A lot of newer systems are no longer coming with a BIOS. Intel’s UEFI standard changed a lot of mechanics in a computers boot sequence. Unfortunately, the details of the changes and exactly how to configure it is beyond the scope of this guide. Please feel free to stop by the forums or our IRC channel for help configuring your UEFI machine.

B: Reboot to USB

1) Insert the bootable USB stick.

2) Reboot to USB using the method determined above.

C: Start the Live Environment

Using the arrow keys on the keyboard, highlightBodhi Linux Live/Install, then pressEnter

Some users may have to select the xForcvesa or nomodeset option, depending on the video card. The only way to know for sure is to try and see.

You are now in the Bodhi Linux Live Environment where you can explore and test Bodhi Linux to your heart’s content. Next: installation!

III: Installation to Hard Drive

A: Installation Steps

2) System Requirements: This screen is simply a reminder of minimum requirements. You may safely clickForward here. Connecting to the Internet is not necessary and ticking the box for Download updates while installing is not recommended.

3) Installation Type: If you are installing Bodhi onto a system where it will be the only OS, select the Erase disk and install Bodhi option and click Install Now.

4) Write changes to disk and continue?: No matter which option you selected in step # 5 you will come to a confirmation screen like the one below. Go Back if you are unsure of your changes; otherwise clickContinue

5) Time Zone: Select your time zone by either typing the name of a nearby city or clicking on your location on the map.

6) Keyboard Layout: Select your general keyboard style from the list on the left, then select the specific layout from the list on the right. There is also a text entry field where you can test your selections. When satisfied, clickForward.

Note! The next screen is the last screen before installation completes. If you are unsure of any settings you selected you may use the Back button to double-check/change them. When satisfied, click Forward.

7) User Account: Enter a name you would like for the primary user (non-root) account. Enter the password you would like associated for this account twice (for confirmation). Enter a name you would like for your computer. There is also a radio button choice between Log in automatically and Require my password to log in – the choice is yours but we always recommend requiring a password.

8) Finalization: This last step requires no user intervention. A slide show of general Bodhi Linux info is presented. Sit back and relax – in just a few minutes you’ll have a shiny new Bodhi Linux system!

B: System Reboot

1) When the installation is complete you will be asked to restart. ClickRestart Now

2) Next a screen will appear with shutdown messages which will ask you to remove the installation media then pressEnter

Some systems may “hang” at this point. If you are presented with a black screen with a blinking cursor, pressEnter

C: First Boot

1) The first screen you will see is the GRUB boot screen. Bodhi Linux will be highlighted by default, and if no action is taken Bodhi Linux will boot automatically. If there are any other operating systems installed they can be selected by pressing the keyboard arrow keys then pressingEnter.

2) Type your password in the text entry field (it will appear on screen as a series of asterisks) then pressEnter

3) Once you are logged in, you will be presented with Bodhi’s Quick Start Guide and the default Theme.

D: Post Installation (optional)

1) Update the System:
Some packages may have been updated to newer versions since the Bodhi Linux installation image was created.

1a) Select “System Updater” from Menu->System Tools->System Updater
1b) Enter your password and click ok
1c) Click the Select All button at the top of the eepDater screen
1d) Click the Apply1e) Once updates are installed, you will be returned to the eepDater screen and you can exit safely.

2) Get Familiar with Bodhi Linux:
The first time you launch Midori (the default Web browser), you will be taken to The Bodhi Linux Quickstart Guide which will help you get connected to the Internet among many other basic tasks.